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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Further protections for England’s coastal waterways planned [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Further protections for England’s coastal waterways planned [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 12 June 2023.

    Consultation launched to expand the Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan to cover all coastal and estuarine waters.

    The government has launched a six-week consultation on expanding its targets to tackle sewage even further to cover all coasts, estuaries and marine protected sites (12 June 2023).

    The Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan, published in August 2022, set out stringent targets to protect people and the environment, backed up by £56 billion capital investment – the largest infrastructure programme in water company history.

    Since then, the government has continued to drive action to hold water companies to account, bring in tougher regulation and accelerate infrastructure to tackle pollution. Building on the measures in the plan to address the overflows causing the most harm first, the government is now consulting for six weeks on expanding the Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan to cover all coastal and estuarine overflows. The current Storm Overflow Discharge Reduction Plan covers 91% of storm overflows.

    The government has always been clear that it will go further and faster to tackle the issue of storm overflows wherever possible. The consultation follows the government announcing that targets to reduce storm overflow discharges will be enshrined in law through the Environment Act 2021.

    The government’s intention to consult on the targets was set out last month. The consultation has now launched and will be open until 24 July 2023, and follows the Environment Secretary’s demand to water companies earlier this year to share individual action plans on every storm overflow, including coastal and estuarine, this summer.

    Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:

    While 93% of our beaches with designated bathing status are already rated excellent or good, there is still more to do to better protect our hugely important coasts and estuaries.

    That is why I am consulting to extend our stringent targets to cover every storm overflow in England – protecting people and the environment across the country.

    The targets outlined in the Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan provide an achievable, credible route to tackling sewage and delivering the improvements customers expect without disproportionately impacting consumer bills.

    Further information

    • The Plan for Water set out the government’s strategy to tackle all sources of pollution – not just storm overflows, but also agriculture, plastics, road run-off and chemicals – as well as managing the pressures on our water resources. It set out action to clean up our water through more investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement on those who pollute.

    Measures include:

    More investment

    • £1.6 billion of accelerated investment by water companies, to spend on new infrastructure to start in the next 2 years to tackle pollution and increase our water resilience – including £1.1 billion on storm overflow improvements.
    • Delivering long-term catchment action plans – community-led schemes which aim to improve waterways and surrounding eco-systems – backed up by new funding, to improve all water bodies in England. This follows the credit scheme launched by Natural England to offset the environmental impact of new housing developments.
    • Creating a new Water Restoration Fund, using money from water company fines and penalties to support local environmental projects, like re-meandering rivers and restoring habitats.
    • More than doubling the money for slurry infrastructure by increasing funding to £34 million for farmers to improve slurry storage, reducing a major source of water pollution, with a further £31 million announced this week under the Productivity and Slurry Grant to support farmers procure equipment and technology.
    • Leveraging £1 million investment in partnership projects each year to improve chalk catchments to help protect these rare and irreplaceable habitats. This is in addition to taking forward the recommendations from the Chalk Stream Strategy.
    • Launching a £6.6 million Lowland Peat Research and Development programme in 2023 to identify the best way to reduce emissions from lowland peatlands.

    Stronger regulation

    • Consulting on banning the sale of plastic wet wipes. We have also written to relevant producers about ‘flushable’ labelling on wet wipe packaging.
    • Enabling key water supply infrastructure – such as reservoirs and water transfer schemes – to be built more quickly.
    • Bringing forward the deadline for water companies to reduce chemicals in wastewater treatment to 2027.
    • Consulting on extending environmental permits to cover dairy and intensive beef farms, and to improve how this is done for pig and poultry farms, in order to better manage sources of pollution.
    • Develop new proposals to restrict the use of ‘forever’ chemicals (PFAS) found in our rivers and seas – including proposals for a ban on PFAS in fire-fighting foams following recommendations made by the Health and Safety Executive.
    • Launching a new National Policy Statement on water resources so that key water supply infrastructure – such as reservoirs and water transfer schemes – can be built more quickly.
    • Integrating water and flood planning to target actions where they will have the biggest impact for nature.
    • Reducing water demand by encouraging water companies to consider how to rapidly increase smart meter installations for household and non-household customers.

    Tougher enforcement

  • PRESS RELEASE : PM urges tech leaders to grasp generational opportunities and challenges of AI [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : PM urges tech leaders to grasp generational opportunities and challenges of AI [June 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 June 2023.

    The UK must act quickly if we want to retain our position as one of the world’s tech capitals, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will tell tech leaders today.

    • The UK will be “the best place in the world to start, grow and invest in tech businesses”, Prime Minister pledges today, as key driver of economic growth
    • Addressing tech leaders at the opening of London Tech Week, he will set out challenges and opportunities of AI ahead of global summit hosted by the UK this autumn
    • This kicks off week of cross-Government activity to showcase and support UK’s thriving tech sector

    The UK must act quickly if we want to retain our position as one of the world’s tech capitals, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will tell tech leaders today [Monday 12 June].

    Speaking at the launch of the tenth London Tech Week, the Prime Minister will argue that as the “tectonic plates of technology are shifting”, the UK must harness innovation to become the best place for tech businesses to invest and grow, in turn growing the economy and creating jobs.

    With world-leading universities, more tech unicorns than France and Germany combined, and one of the most digitally literate societies in the world, the Prime Minister will make clear that the UK is starting from a position of strength, outlining how Government will work with businesses to capitalise on the opportunities presented by transformative technologies, such as AI.

    From building one of the most pro-investment tax regimes, to committing almost a fifth of our entire capital budget to R&D – the highest level this country has ever seen – and investing record sums in building our quantum capability, the Prime Minister will underline his commitment to creating the right conditions for innovators to thrive.

    The Prime Minister is expected to tell tech leaders:

    We must act – and act quickly – if we want not only to retain our position as one of the world’s tech capitals …

    … but to go even further, and make this the best country in the world to start, grow and invest in tech businesses.

    That is my goal. And I feel a sense of urgency and responsibility to make sure we seize it.

    Already home to the largest tech economy in Europe, he will reinforce that the tech sector is at the heart of his priority to grow the economy.

    Together with Ministers from across Government, responsible for nurturing and attracting talent, driving world-class research and unlocking investment, he will set out their shared mission to help the UK’s tech eco-system flourish at the launch of London Tech Week.

    Part of this effort is represented by Government’s decision to introduce High Potential Individual, Global Talent and Scale-up Worker visas. These routes are designed to attract the best and brightest global talent and will encourage academics and professionals to share their knowledge, skills and ideas in the UK, and make a positive contribution to the economy.

    Following his announcement that the UK will host the first major global summit on AI safety later this year, the Prime Minister will also stress the UK’s leadership as a democratic AI power – already home to top AI labs, including DeepMind.

    This has been recognised globally by like-minded countries and partners, who have agreed to work together to mitigate the risks through internationally coordinated action. The UK’s expert taskforce on AI foundation models, backed by £100 million in Government funding, will lead on cutting-edge AI safety in the UK.

    During his speech, the Prime Minister will outline the opportunities AI presents as well as the need to ensure its development remains safe and responsible. That includes bringing together academia, leading tech companies and Government to deliver the benefits that will improve people’s lives.

    The Prime Minister will say:

    Already we’ve seen AI help the paralysed to walk; and discover superbug-killing antibiotics – and that’s just the beginning.

    “…The possibilities are extraordinary. But we must – and we will – do it safely.

    “…I want to make the UK not just the intellectual home, but the geographical home of global AI safety regulation.”

    The Prime Minister will continue to host key tech businesses and entrepreneurs at Downing Street throughout London Tech Week, while Government Ministers will promote and discuss how we are supporting the UK’s tech sector with stakeholders at events including panel sessions and speeches.

    Poppy Gustafsson, CEO of Darktrace, said:

    The tenth year of London Tech Week is going to be the most exciting so far. AI will be at the centre of the agenda and that should give UK tech plenty to be happy about. We’re home to unrivalled AI talent, incredible academic institutions like the Turing Institute, and businesses, like Darktrace, that have track records of developing and delivering world-leading AI. The UK is in a great position to be at the forefront of the AI revolution. I see that every day in our teams in Cambridge who are working at the very forefront of these technological innovations. I’m excited to see this country leaning in on this agenda and actively looking to capitalise on the tremendous opportunities that this creates.

    Divesh Makan, Founding Partner, ICONIQ Capital:

    At ICONIQ, we believe that technology isn’t a vertical but rather a horizontal that cuts across all businesses and aspects of our daily lives. We have seen remarkable advances in artificial intelligence, cloud storage and analytics, healthcare, and the software underlying everything drive massive transformations across sectors and society. And now, as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of London Tech Week and consider the opportunities and challenges ahead, one thing is clear: the future is arriving faster than anyone expected. Under Prime Minister Sunak’s leadership, the UK’s tech community will continue to play a vital role in creating a better tomorrow for everyone.

    Vishal Marria, CEO of Quantexa, said:

    The UK is home to some of the world’s top tech talent and has created several of the world’s most innovative technology companies. Quantexa, an AI-driven decision intelligence company based in London, is a great example of the power of British innovation in action. In just seven years, the company has achieved a valuation of £1.5bn, employs over 650 people globally, and supports tens of thousands of users in some of the world’s largest organizations on its platform for risk management, customer insights, and data unification.

    As a British entrepreneur, I am encouraged by this government’s commitment to investing in emerging disciplines such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence and its determination to ensure that the UK tech market continues to thrive by taking a “pro-innovation” approach to much-needed regulation.

    Our growing London tech ecosystem and our government share a vision for building on our heritage of innovation in a fiercely competitive global economy. To achieve its goal of becoming a science and technology superpower, the UK must actively nurture this growing sector and make decisive, strategic investments that stimulate innovation.

    Charlie Bryant, CEO at Zoopla, said:

    As one of the first British tech unicorns, Zoopla is delighted to be part of the remarkable growth of London and the UK as the tech capital of Europe. The foundations that have built this leading role include the UK’s position as a global hub for tech talent, the depth of capital and London’s global city status which creates an attractive environment for inward investment. I believe the UK will continue to pave the way when it comes to tech innovation in Europe.

    Demis Hassabis, CEO & CO-Founder, Google DeepMind, said:

    AI will play a critical role in shaping the future of our economy and society. I’m looking forward to talking about this with the Prime Minister at London Tech Week.

    Janet Coyle CBE, Managing Director of Grow London at London & Partners, said:

    Over the past decade, the UK has established itself as a leading destination to setup and scale a technology business. The tenth anniversary of London Tech Week offers a great opportunity to showcase our success and discuss how we can continue to be a top tech hub on the global stage. This year’s event promises to be bigger than ever and it’s exciting to see how many international delegations will be coming into London to explore investment and expansion opportunities in our capital.

    Carolyn Dawson OBE, CEO, Founders Forum Group:

    The UK tech ecosystem is uniting to celebrate the 10th London Tech Week, the largest in its history. Global delegates will be part of the 17,000 people taking part in this iconic event. The UK can excel in the industries of the future, from deeptech to fintech, sustainability and life sciences, there are so many competitive advantages at our disposal. We are evermore excited that London Tech Week serves as a platform to amplify this position for the UK on a global stage and is proud to connect the ecosystem of innovators, entrepreneurs and investors together to drive positive change through technology.

    Erin Platts, CEO, Silicon Valley Bank UK.

    Embracing the UK’s innovators and investors, and enabling their bold ideas is more important than ever to our long-term economic prosperity. The Prime Minister’s support for the UK’s innovation reflects the government’s commitment to making the UK a global innovation leader. We’re excited for the optimism and ambition demonstrated everyday by our tech ecosystem and we welcome pledges for the UK to become an innovation superpower by 2030. This is a clear vote of confidence for the UK’s tech and life sciences industries and I’m confident we can achieve this through ongoing collaboration between industry and government.

    Taavet Hinrikus, Co-founder, Wise and Co-founder, Plural, said:

    London is one of the best places in the world to build a tech company. This extraordinary ecosystem is what helped me grow my company Wise and it’s why we chose to found Plural here last year to support the next generation of entrepreneurs who are building global companies to solve difficult problems.

    Joanna Shields, CEO of Benevolent AI, said:

    At BenevolentAI, we have first-hand experience applying AI’s transformative potential. We harness the power of LLMs and other AI models to empower scientists and expedite innovation in biopharma. In domains as complex as life sciences, it is imperative to deploy AI safely and responsibly. We have a limited opportunity to take action, and I am delighted that the UK Government is treating this matter seriously by announcing the formation of a task force and an AI Summit scheduled for this fall. These crucial initiatives serve as a solid foundation, and now it is essential for both the public and private sectors to collaborate closely to tackle this monumental challenge and position the UK at the forefront of AI regulation.

    T S Anil, CEO of Monzo, said:

    As the UK’s biggest digital bank with more than 7.5m customers, we are an example of how technology can improve people’s lives, and drive economic growth. The UK is a top destination for fintech companies and home to some of the most interesting and innovative scaling businesses. That leading position will be maintained by retaining and evolving the UK’s world class regulatory system, as well as helping to attract and develop the best talent, and we welcome policy measures and initiatives that support that.

    Zahra Bahrololoumi, CEO of Salesforce UK&I, said:

    At Salesforce, we recognise the transformative power of generative AI, including its influence in securing and maintaining the UK’s status as a global technology leader. We strongly welcome the PM’s announcement to host a global AI summit this autumn and commitment to make the UK the centre of gravity on AI safety. This is a watershed moment for our industry and it is imperative that AI is developed safely and responsibly, with ethics and inclusivity at the heart. A trust-first evolution is crucial for future success.

    Kristo Käärmann, CEO and co-founder, Wise:

    The UK is where we started our journey 12 years ago to achieve money without borders and make the world’s money faster, cheaper, easier, and more transparent for people and businesses. Connecting directly to the Bank of England and into the UK’s Faster Payments Scheme was one of our first big steps forward in achieving this mission. That enabled us to deliver faster, and cheaper payments for our customers in the UK. That the UK was the first country in which we were able to get there is testament to the forward looking approach of its institutions. Today we serve 16 million people and businesses around the world by building the best infrastructure for the world’s money and the tech that’s enabled us to do that was built here.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Bold plans to boost digital connectivity across the country, from wifi in lamp posts and satellites in most rural parts of Scotland [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Bold plans to boost digital connectivity across the country, from wifi in lamp posts and satellites in most rural parts of Scotland [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 12 June 2023.

    Technology Minister Sir John Whittingdale has announced initiatives in a bid to cement the UK as an international leader in telecoms.

    • Papa Stour, one of the most remote communities in the UK will see the introduction of high-speed broadband, powered by satellites
    • Tech Minister also announces programme to test smart lampposts that will have the capacity to deliver a range of services, from public wifi to electric vehicle charging
    • UK and Australia sign a landmark agreement cementing the strong foundations between the 2 nations

    The 10th London Tech Week has begun with a suite of bold initiatives in a bid to cement the UK as an international leader in telecoms.

    From today, residents in Papa Stour, one of the UK’s most remote and inaccessible communities will be connected to high-speed broadband, enabling residents to stay connected wherever they are. The project was announced by the Minister at a speech at London Tech Week, as part of a package of initiatives which also include support for local authorities to procure and test ‘smart lampposts’, boosting connectivity within local communities.

    A landmark Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and Australia was also signed, helping to establish a roadmap between the 2 nations for future telecoms collaboration.

    Future telecoms is one the UK government’s 5 key technologies of tomorrow and the initiative will ensure the UK is a continued global leader in the telecoms sector and to improve connectivity for people and businesses across the country.

    Making the announcements in a speech at London Tech Week, UK Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, Sir John Whittingdale, said:

    Our announcements today will help ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, has access to high-speed broadband and other digital services that they need to thrive in the 21st century.

    Improving Papa Stour’s connectivity is a major milestone in our efforts to close the digital divide as it transforms the lives of the island’s residents and visitors.

    The Smart Infrastructure Pilots Programme shows how we can use technology to make our communities a better place to live and work and the MoU we have signed with Australia is a significant step in our efforts to work with international partners to build a more secure and resilient telecoms network.

    Improving digital connectivity is a top priority for the government. Our mission is to deliver fast, reliable connectivity for everyone in the UK and to continue to be a global leader in telecoms, and today’s package shows exactly that.

    Papa Stour connected to high-speed satellite broadband

    The island of Papa Stour in the Shetland Islands, one of the most remote communities anywhere in the UK, will see its digital infrastructure transformed in a matter of days as part of government plans to ensure universal access to fast, reliable broadband coverage.

    Clarus Networks Group starts work on installing a specialist Kymeta flat panel today which, when finished later this week, will link to OneWeb’s constellation of low earth orbit (LEO) satellites to beam high-speed, reliable broadband connections to the island from space.

    The panel’s installation marks its first commercial roll-out in Europe and forms part of the government’s Alpha Trial programme launched in December to test the capability and viability of low orbit satellites to deliver high-speed connectivity to communities in very hard to reach areas.

    Broadband connectivity will be beamed down to the Scottish island’s rugged coastline via OneWeb’s satellite network, delivering life-changing digital accessibility, made possible by British-born science and technology innovation, and effective collaboration between central and local government.

    Paul Coffey, CTO, The Clarus Networks Group, said:

    At Clarus we harness the power of satellite connectivity, combined with state-of-the-art wireless technologies, to solve connection challenges. Until now, Papa Stour residents have been constrained due to unreliable and slow internet connectivity. We are excited to partner to bring lightning fast and reliable internet to the island for the first time. This installation is a landmark step in connecting remote communities, offering new possibilities for UK business and tourism.

    Neil Masterson, CEO OneWeb, said:

    OneWeb has always sought to use satellite connectivity to bridge the digital divide for communities and business around the world. Connectivity is vital for all but especially so for the most remote communities, and we are delighted to be working with the government and our partners on this trial to bring high-speed, low latency connectivity to those living and working on the island.

    Boosting connectivity and innovation with Smart Infrastructure Pilots Programme

    The Minister also announced the launch of the Smart Infrastructure Pilots Programme (SIPP). Helping local authorities to deploy advanced digital infrastructure such as smart lampposts, SIPP will support the ambition set out in the government’s recently published Wireless Infrastructure Strategy for people, business and public services across the UK to realise the full benefits of 5G and other advanced wireless connectivity – from economic to environmental growth.

    The initiative, a joint programme between DSIT and the Department for Transport (DfT), will provide up to £1.5 million in funding for 6 local authority-led pilots, which will be matched by smart service providers working with the participating local authorities, to procure and test innovative smart multi-purpose columns or lampposts.

    Smart multi-purpose columns or lamp posts are street furniture that have the capacity to deliver a range of smart services, including improved mobile network connectivity, public wifi, electric vehicle charging, public safety and environmental monitoring. Investing in this technology can help bring cost savings to a local authority and increase connectivity for local communities.

    The announcement is also a significant step towards achieving the government’s levelling up priorities and fostering widespread access to the benefits of good connectivity in communities across the UK.

    Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Jesse Norman said:

    By turning lamp posts and other road infrastructure into smart devices such as public wifi points, the government are investing in the ways everyday transport infrastructure can be transformed for a greener, cleaner future.

    This programme will boost connectivity across the country and increase electric vehicle charging access, helping us to reach our net zero goals.

    UK and Australia Memorandum of Understanding on Telecoms Diversification

    Minister Whittingdale today announced a Memorandum of Understanding on Telecoms Diversification between the UK and Australia.

    Telecoms supply chains are global and working together with international partners is a critical piece of the government’s approach to achieving ambitions on telecoms diversification – reducing the global reliance on just a number of vendors to provide equipment for building 5G and future telecoms technologies networks and attracting new entrants to the UK market.

    The MoU cements the strong foundations that already exist between the UK and Australia and will see the 2 countries strengthen cooperation on telecoms diversification, particularly the development of open and interoperable solutions such as open RAN, a kit which allows providers to ‘mix and match’ solutions from multiple vendors – enabling much more vendor diversity in the telecoms ecosystem.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Dowden – world-class crisis capabilities deployed to defeat biological threats of tomorrow [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Dowden – world-class crisis capabilities deployed to defeat biological threats of tomorrow [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 12 June 2023.

    Biological Security Strategy will defend the UK from infectious disease outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance, and biological incidents and attacks.

    • New Biothreats Radar will scan biological threats to protect the public
    • Biological Security Strategy will defend the UK from infectious disease outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance, and biological incidents and attacks
    • Plan strengthens the UK’s thriving life sciences sector
    • Backed by unprecedented investment of more than £1.5 billion per year

    A new Biothreats Radar capable of scanning biological risks that pose a threat to the public will be key to the UK’s fight and preparation for future pandemics, the Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden has announced today (Monday 12 June).

    The Radar will be led by the Government’s National Situation Centre and will bring together data from across government, existing independent advisory committees and wider expert groups who analyse biological risks and trends. It will centralise the data and actively monitor this information to provide decision makers with a comprehensive picture of known and developing biological threats.

    This forms part of a new Biological Security Strategy published by the Government today to strengthen the UK’s defences against infectious diseases, biological attacks and antibiotic resistance.

    The major new Strategy sets out clear actions on biosecurity, building upon the framework set out by the Government in 2018, and has been updated to reflect lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic. It outlines how the Government will tackle a wide range of threats head on –  from bioterrorism to animal and plant diseases – by 2030.

    The Government is investing heavily in biological security, with spending now more than £1.5 billion each year. This funding underpins critical initiatives within the Strategy, including  identifying new diseases, incentivising responsible innovation in the biosciences, and progressing the pledge made by G7 leaders in Carbis Bay in 2021, known as the “100 Days Mission”, to accelerate new vaccine development.

    Four pillars will underpin how the Strategy tackles biological threats:

    Understanding the biological risks we face today and could face in the future;

    Preventing biological risks from emerging or from threatening the UK’s interests;

    Detecting and reporting biological risks early when they do emerge;

    Responding to biological risks that have reached the UK to lessen their impact.

    Alongside the Biothreats Radar, the Strategy sets out a number of commitments, including:

    • Developing a National Biosurveillance Network to detect and monitor emerging biological threats to the UK
    • Establishing a new UK Biosecurity Leadership Council, bringing together academic and industry leaders to help establish the UK as a world leader in responsible innovation
    • Developing new UK-based microbial forensics tools and capabilities to support efforts to attribute biological incidents and deter the proliferation and use of biological weapons
    • Working with industry to further UK efforts to achieve the 100 Days Mission – reducing the impact of future pandemics by making vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics available within 100 days of a future outbreak
    • Formalising the leadership structures that oversee our biological security – including a lead minister who will report annually to Parliament
    • Establishing a Biological Security Task Force in the Cabinet Office to coordinate UK-wide efforts on biological security, including exercising our response to future threats

    The UK is already Europe’s leading biotechnology hub and these commitments will further bolster the UK’s strength in this area.

    As set out in the recent Atlantic Declaration, the UK is also strengthening our bilateral collaboration with the United States on biological health and security, including through closer cooperation to tackle drug-resistant infections.

    Deputy Prime Minister, Rt Hon Oliver Dowden MP, said:

    Covid was the biggest peacetime challenge in a century, and we must be diligent in preparing for future threats on this scale.

    This plan and our £1.5 billion investment per year puts us in a strong position to defeat the biological threats of tomorrow – from diseases to bioweapons and antimicrobial resistance. It’s a strong and ambitious approach: one that harnesses the sheer ingenuity of the UK’s researchers and scientists, and deploys our world-class crisis management capabilities to protect the people of the UK.

    Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Dame Angela McLean, said:

    The COVID-19 pandemic showed just how critical it is to have a coherent plan to both protect the UK from the increasingly complex range of biological risks and build on the UK’s strengths in vaccine research and development and life sciences. The new Biological Security Strategy will make an important contribution to our preparedness.

    Head of Biosecurity Policy at the Centre for Long-Term Resilience, Cassidy Nelson, commented:

    This much-needed strategy underscores the UK’s role as a global leader in enhancing resilience against biological risks. We welcome the goal to achieve resilience to the full spectrum of biological threats by 2030, and commend the use of built-in accountability measures to drive the implementation of the strategy. We now need sustained resourcing and prioritisation to achieve tangible improvements to the UK’s biosecurity capabilities on such an ambitious timeline.

    Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency, Dame Jenny Harries, commented:

    The Biological Security Strategy and its commitment to developing a biosecure future means that we are in a strong position to respond to the threats of the future. Hand-in-hand with our partners in industry and academia, UKHSA will work across government to ensure that, through our commitment to achieving the 100 Days Mission, working with DEFRA to develop the National Biosurveillance Network and improving the UK’s pandemic preparedness, we keep the public safe.

    The Strategy shows the Government’s continued progress in strengthening the country’s resilience and builds upon the UK Resilience Framework which officially made resilience a national endeavour for the very first time.

    The Biological Security Strategy also follows the recent launch of the life-saving UK wide Emergency Alerts system which has transformed the country’s warning and informing capability; enabling Government and the emergency services to send an alert directly to mobile phones when people are in immediate danger.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Asia Pacific investors set to pour millions into UK Tech after biggest post-Brexit trade deal [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Asia Pacific investors set to pour millions into UK Tech after biggest post-Brexit trade deal [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 12 June 2023.

    Largest ever delegation of Asia Pacific (APAC) investors travel to the UK for the start of London Tech Week.

    • Just weeks after the UK concludes negotiations with CPTPP, £100bn investment funds from APAC flock to London for tech and investment bonanza.
    • Multi-million-pound deals on the cards at London Eye pitching event on first day of London Tech Week.
    • UK proving itself to be a tech superpower and the best place in the world to invest.

    Cutting edge British tech firms are set to pitch for multi-million-pound deals with Asia Pacific (APAC) investors today just weeks after the UK concluded negotiations with the CPTPP – a £9 trillion combined GDP trade bloc in the Indo-Pacific.

    As part of the biggest APAC delegation to ever visit London Tech Week, investors representing funds of over £100bn will meet with UK tech companies as they seek cash injections into innovative new projects, ranging from fintech and clean tech to life sciences and Artificial Intelligence.

    As day one (Monday 12 June) of the UK’s largest technology event gets underway, business deals have already been secured with APAC investors and tech firms, with the Minister for Investment, Lord Johnson, kicking off further investment talks later today at the London Eye.

    This includes a strategic partnership between Malaysian company Sunway Group – one of Southeast Asia’s leading conglomerates – and Cambridge-based venture capitalist firm Deeptech Labs, enabling them to accelerate the growth of net zero technologies and open new avenues for UK startups in the APAC region.

    The signing of the new partnership will take place on the banks of the River Thames before more lucrative deals are struck on the London Eye, as 25 tech firms have 30 minutes to pitch their latest innovations to investors before their pods circle back to the ground.

    Minister for Investment Lord Johnson said:

    London Tech Week is a huge opportunity to show that we are a science and technology superpower, and that the UK is the number one place to invest.

    Just weeks after successfully negotiating our biggest post-Brexit trade deal with the CPTPP, we are seeing huge interest from investors in the region, with millions of pounds being invested into world-leading British tech.

    Creating closer ties with our friends in the Asia Pacific region is creating enormous opportunities for inward investment, as the UK sits at the cutting edge of innovation in science and technology.

    Various APAC tech firms are also announcing they will move their HQs to the UK in a further vote of confidence that we have the best credentials as a place to do business. This includes Japanese startups Datagusto and Qufooit, as well as booking platform Enrolmy in New Zealand, with further potential announcements through the week.

    Extra support is also being announced by the Government to grow tech exports to Asia Pacific and facilitate more investment.

    A new contract has been awarded to Oxfordshire-based Intralink to run the new UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme as part of the UK’s Digital Trade Network (DTN), which will help UK tech companies and entrepreneurs to trade in the APAC region. The DTN itself will also expand to Taiwan and Vietnam to ensure UK exporters can access digital tech expertise and help with market access and digital trading systems.

    Minister for Technology and the Digital Economy Paul Scully MP said:

    Seamless collaboration with our global counterparts is the key that will unlock the potential of our leading start-up community, and in turn the UK’s future as a science and technology superpower. This is why Intralink’s work with the Digital Trade Network to bring together the UK and Asian tech communities is fundamental to our shared success.

    Natalie Black, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, said:

    This record-breaking delegation from Asia Pacific demonstrates our deepening relationship with nations across the CPTPP.

    At this year’s London Tech Week, we are seeing delegations of startups brought over by the Japanese government and our first ever delegation from Vietnam, demonstrating how the UK is the tech powerhouse of the CPTPP.

    I look forward to seeing the UK’s trillion-dollar tech sector thrive in the region through our expanded Digital Trade Network.

    The new UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme will increase UK digital tech exports to APAC markets by increasing private sector investment in UK tech companies and strengthening trading relationships between the UK and APAC countries.

    An Australian tech mission is also included in the 600-strong APAC delegation, looking to maximise benefits of the UK-Australia free trade agreement that came into force last month.

    Janet Coyle CBE, Managing Director of Grow London, London & Partners said:

    The relationship between UK tech companies and APAC investors is crucial for unlocking growth opportunities and helping businesses expand into new markets across both regions. I am looking forward to introducing some of our best tech talent to investors from the Asia-Pacific region during London Tech Week. The interest we’ve seen from international companies and investors in this year’s London Tech Week demonstrates the global appeal of the UK’s tech sector.

    Notes to editors

    • 600 delegates will make up the APAC delegation, with a further delegation of 50 from Mexico – another CPTPP member. Investors in the APAC delegation are representing investment funds managing over £100bn of assets.
    • Both the Minister for Investment, Lord Johnson, and APAC HMTC Natalie Black will be attending the Sunway Group – Cambridge Deep Tech Labs signing event this afternoon alongside senior representatives from MyDIGITAL Corporation and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, where they will meet with investors and tech firms. Lord Johnson will also deliver a speech.
    • The ‘Elevator Pitch’ event at the London Eye will follow on shortly afterwards, with HMTC Natalie Black in attendance.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Over 25,000 long term ill and disabled people supported into work with £58m boost [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Over 25,000 long term ill and disabled people supported into work with £58m boost [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 June 2023.

    MORE than 25,000 people with health conditions will be helped to start and stay in work thanks to over £58m in new government funding.

    • New funding to support over 25,000 people in England with health issues find and stay in work
    • 12 areas across 41 local authorities in England to benefit from additional employment support
    • Funding marks first step in delivery of Universal Support and key part of efforts to reduce economic inactivity and grow the economy

    The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, today (11 June) confirmed the expansion of a programme which provides employment support to people with mild to moderate mental or physical health conditions who are out of work or need support to stay in work.

    Recognising employment as an important driver of health and wellbeing, participants are referred to the service by healthcare professionals such as GPs and practice nurses, and employment support and advice are integrated with their normal health treatment.

    As well as unlocking people’s potential and supporting them into a fulfilling career, a successful workforce will help deliver on Government’s priorities to halve inflation and grow the economy.

    Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP said:

    “We know that work has a positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing and this pioneering programme will help thousands more people reap the benefits of fulfilling employment with the right help.

    “This is a significant milestone in our commitment to invest in employment support for people with health conditions. Through the reforms we set out earlier this year, we will continue to provide even more inclusive employment opportunities across the country as part of our efforts to unlock people’s potential and grow the economy.”

    The first phase of the Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care (IPSPC) programme, launched in April 2023, providing on-the-job “place and train” employment support and advice to 12,700 people across South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, West London, Norfolk, Cheshire West and Chester, and West Midlands, at a cost of £27.9 million.

    We are now expanding IPSPC to support up to a further 12,900 people in Enfield, Essex, Newham, Nottingham, Slough and Surrey who are set to benefit from an additional £31 million joint investment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

    This is part of the first phase of the DWP’s Universal Support employment programme, announced in the Spring Budget.

    Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP said:

    “In our Health and Disability White Paper we highlighted the importance of employment support for disabled people and people with health conditions, so it is absolutely right to expand the proven successful model of supported employment further.

    “I’m delighted that we’re already seeing this approach boost participants’ employment prospects, wellbeing, self-confidence, and motivation to return to work.

    “What we learn from supporting people through IPSPC will pave the way to Universal Support, which, when fully rolled out will offer people personalised support to help them flourish in work.”

    Health Minister, Maria Caulfield, said:

    “This expanded funding is a vital part of our drive to support disabled people and those with health conditions who deserve to live independently. This also includes our £573 million annual Disabled Facilities Grant, which funds housing modifications such as grab rails and ramps to improve independent living at home.

    “We are also inviting views on how the government can better diagnose and support those with major health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases or mental ill-health, which will inform our Major Conditions Strategy later this year.”

    Andrew Beardsall, Associate Director of Primary Care at NHS Bassetlaw Place, Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board, said:

    “The expansion of IPSPC is great for patients and for primary care professionals.

    “GPs often report that in trying to deal with patients physical and mental health issues they are often only treating a small part of their patients’ overall problems, which cannot be tackled in isolation.

    “IPSPC offers the chance to break the spiral between ill health, employment and quality of life. It is simply a good idea and warmly welcomed”

    It is estimated the programme will help over 25,000 people secure or retain employment by March 2025 by offering them personalised employment support and advice integrated with their normal health treatment.

    Additional information

    • IPSPC represents the first step in delivery of Universal Support, a supported employment programme which will support at least 50,000 disabled people and people with health conditions per year into sustained work from 2025/26, using the proven “place and train” employment model.
    • Eligible people will be able to opt into Universal Support to receive up to 12 months of support, helping them to move quickly into suitable work and followed with wraparound support to help them to sustain that employment for the longer-term.
    • IPSPC is an extension of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) programme, another example of supported employment targeting people with more severe health conditions in secondary care settings, such as hospitals.
    • The expansion of IPSPC follows evaluation research into IPS in South Yorkshire and the West Midlands, which found the IPS approach boosted participants’ employment prospects, wellbeing, self-confidence, and motivation to return to work.
    • “Place and train” employment models like IPS and IPSPC see participants receive a job from the outset, learning as they go rather than having to train before being allowed to start employment.
    • The first phase of IPSPC, which launched this year, will support around 12,700 people across six areas and 30 local authorities, South Yorkshire (Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham), Greater Manchester (Manchester City, Bolton, Bury, Tameside, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Trafford, Wigan), the West London Alliance (Ealing, Barnet, Brent, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow), Norfolk, Cheshire West and Chester, and West Midlands (Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, Wolverhampton), at a cost of £27.9m,
    • The expansion will cover a further 12,900 people across six more areas and 11 local authorities, Enfield, Essex, Newham (Newham, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Tower Hamlets), Nottingham (Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby), Slough and Surrey.
    • The majority of participants found the service boosted their confidence, job search capability, and motivation to return to work.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK to provide £16 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK to provide £16 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 June 2023.

    The FCDO is to provide £16 million to address widespread needs in Ukraine, including to support people affected by the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam.

    • in recognition of growing needs FCDO to provide £16 million to enable aid partners to help civilians, including 32,000 people directly affected by flooding, as well as at the frontlines and displaced communities
    • UK funding will assist aid organisations with their response and includes £10 million to the Red Cross Movement, £5 million to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and £1 million to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM)
    • to bolster rescue efforts and manage impact of ongoing flooding the FCDO is sending boats, community water filters, water pumps and waders to Ukraine

    The UK has today (10 June) set out an additional £16 million in humanitarian support as Ukraine deals with the aftermath of flooding caused by the destruction of Nova Kakhova dam, which has affected 42,000 people in the Kherson area, and continuing Russian attacks.

    This builds on our existing humanitarian support of £220 million which is allowing partners, such as the Ukraine Red Cross, to help evacuate civilians affected by the flooding.

    Alongside this the UK-led Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine has already delivered 2 specialist rescue boats, search and rescue equipment, and trauma medicine to Kherson to assist the ongoing rescue operations by the State Emergency Services.

    The additional £16 million is given in recognition of mounting needs across Ukraine, including in the areas affected by the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam.

    Funding will support aid organisations in the area who are currently assisting people affected by the flooding with rapid response equipment, shelter and essential supplies, as well as in areas affected by fighting and communities who have been displaced.

    Beyond the immediate rescue efforts, this funding will help to respond to the ongoing impacts from flooding, including waterborne infectious diseases, loss of livelihoods and risks from landmines.

    The funding will consist of £10 million of support to the Red Cross Movement, £5 million to OCHA and £1 million to IOM.

    The UK is also providing a package of rescue boats, community water filters, water pumps and waders to help State Emergency Services of Ukraine responders deal with the ongoing impact of the flooding. Equipment is expected to start arriving in Ukraine by next week.

    Today’s announcement comes as water levels in Kherson continue to rise, with flooding spreading to other towns along the Dnipro River. The UK has moved quickly to bolster its support to Ukraine as it deals with severe flooding from the dam, which is expected to last for weeks and leave many in need of food, water and basic supplies.

    Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Secretary James Cleverly said:

    Flooding from the destruction of Kakhovka dam is having an untold impact on over 32,000 people living in Kherson, and thousands more in the surrounding area.

    The UK is leading the way in providing support to those desperately in need. Our funding is playing a vital role in helping Ukrainian services and aid organisations evacuate people and get help to those in need.

    We will continue to stand by Ukraine in dealing with this terrible incident.

    This aid package is part of the UK’s total support for Ukraine which so far totals £1.5 billion in economic and humanitarian support, which has paid for the delivery of more than 11 million medical items as well as food supplies, ambulances, shelter kits.

    Earlier this week the Foreign Secretary visited Ukraine to highlight the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine and its recovery. During his time there he met President Zelenskyy in Kyiv and discussed how best the UK will continue to support Ukraine against Russia’s aggression.

    The UK is also set to host the Ukraine Recovery Conference later this month, which will bring together governments and industry leaders to develop a concerted multi-sector plan to help Ukraine to recover from Russia’s illegal invasion.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ukrainian families supported into own homes with £150m funding [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ukrainian families supported into own homes with £150m funding [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 10 June 2023.

    Ukrainians in the UK will be helped into their own homes as part of a £150 million funding allocation.

    The funding will be divided across the UK according to the number of Ukrainians in each nation: circa £109 million for England, circa £30 million for Scotland, circa £8 million for Wales and around £2 million to Northern Ireland.

    Funding can be used by councils to help Ukrainian families into the private rental sector, help them get jobs, and continue sponsorship for guests’ second year in the UK.

    Local authorities are best placed to understand the support needed for local communities and, within England, this funding will be used to help people remain in their current accommodation or find alternative housing, including in the private rented sector.

    The Homes for Ukraine scheme has welcomed over 124,000 Ukrainians to the UK, with almost half of working-age nationals now in employment and settled into their local areas, having had the right to work, receive benefits and access public services from day one.

    The Department for Transport has also announced it will extend the length of time Ukrainian refugees can drive in Great Britain on their home country driving licence, from 1 year to 3, in a move that will help many continue the lives and jobs they have forged since arriving here.

    Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Felicity Buchan said:

    The UK has an honourable tradition of offering shelter to those fleeing the horrors of war. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of hosts in this country, over 124,000 Ukrainians have now found safety in the UK.

    Sadly, the fighting in Ukraine shows no sign of ending soon, so we are appealing for more people to become hosts while providing councils with this additional funding to support guests into long-term housing.

    Petro Rewko from The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain said:

    Ukrainians everywhere are grateful to the government and the British people for opening their homes and hearts to Ukrainians fleeing their homes as a result of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

    We welcome today’s announcement, which recognises the commitment of sponsors and local authorities during difficult economic times and will provide additional support and reassurance to Ukrainian families as they rebuild their lives and seek to overcome the trauma of war.

    The UK government will continue to work with the Ukrainian government, the devolved administrations, local authorities and charities and voluntary groups to support guests and sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

    The government is keen to ensure that Ukrainian guests receive the support they are entitled to while they are in the UK, and are helped into employment and long-term suitable accommodation, as soon as possible.

    Hosts in the UK will continue to receive a monthly £350 thank-you payment during guests’ first 12 months, rising to £500 a month during the following 12 months.

    Check how to apply to be a host.

    Background

    • In December 2022, DLUHC announced £150 million UK-wide funding to help support Ukrainians and others into sustainable accommodation and reduce the risk of homelessness in the financial year 2023 to 2024.
    • Funding split: The £150 million is being apportioned across the UK according to the number of Homes for Ukraine arrivals in each nation. Scotland circa £30 million, Wales circa £8 million, and Northern Ireland circa £2 million for a total of circa £41 million to the devolved administrations. England circa £109 million.
    • Funding to devolved administrations (DAs): fund will be delivered to the DAs via Budget Cover Transfer, in line with DA preferences, at Supplementary Estimates in early 2024.
    • Funding in England: In England the £109 million will be administered as a top-up to the existing Homelessness Prevention Grant (HPG) for all local authorities, using the same conditions. Recognising wider pressures alongside those arising from the Ukrainian cohort, 66% of funding to local authorities will be allocated in line with the 2023 to 2024 HPG formula, and 34% based on the number of Ukrainian guests in each local authority.
    • Purpose: the funding will help local authorities support Ukrainian guests into sustainable accommodation including through access to the private rented sector, employment support and facilitating ongoing sponsorship into guests’ second year.

    Other funding: this funding forms part of the wider £650 million support package for Ukrainians announced in December, on top of the £1.1 billion already provided to councils through a tariff and thank you payments for each arrival in their area.

    The Department for Transport carefully considered the need to ensure roads remain as safe as possible, and responses to a consultation on the proposal were overwhelmingly positive, with 99% agreeing there should be an extension and 89% agreeing with the proposed 3-year extension.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Leeds finance boss, Liam Francis Wainwright, sentenced for £20 million fraud [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Leeds finance boss, Liam Francis Wainwright, sentenced for £20 million fraud [June 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 9 June 2023.

    Yorkshire-based boss of finance company found guilty of fraud, false accounting and forgery after abusing millions of pounds of investors’ money to buy racehorses and fund other businesses.

    A Yorkshire-based finance boss has been found guilty of fraud and sentenced to 7 years imprisonment at Leeds Crown Court.

    An investigation by the Insolvency Service found Liam Francis Wainwright, 61, from Leeds, had falsified documents to mislead investors and spend their money on ventures including a racehorse syndicate and his own failed private businesses.

    These investors were victims of a classic Ponzi scheme, whereby the returns paid to them were funded by the capital injections from later investors.

    Wainwright, who had been a director of Rawdon Asset Finance Ltd, was disqualified for 11 years in November 2020 after investigators at the Insolvency Service found he had falsified around £12 million worth of entries in the company’s loan book in the two years before the company entered administration in 2019.

    After a further criminal investigation, the Insolvency Service brought the director to court on counts of false accounting, fraud, forgery, and acting as a director while bankrupt.

    Julie Barnes, Chief Investigator for the Insolvency Service, said:

    Liam Wainwright’s greed and selfish actions had a devastating effect on the people who had put their trust in him and his business.

    His victims included elderly and vulnerable people. Many investors lost most or all of the money they had entrusted to him, and some lost their life savings.

    His sentencing today shows that the Insolvency Service will seek the toughest penalties for those who break the law, to help ensure that the UK is a safe place for investors and for businesses.

    The court heard that Wainwright had enjoyed a lavish lifestyle as a result of his offending, and that his actions had had a devastating impact on individuals and families who had invested money into the business.

    Wainwright told investors and shareholders that Rawdon Asset Finance was lending money to businesses with security on property, land or plant and equipment, but was in fact using the cash to pay returns to other creditors, buy into a racehorse syndicate and to fund other companies, including a Lincolnshire-based property development and a redevelopment company in West Yorkshire, both linked to himself.

    By the time the company went into liquidation, Rawdon Asset Finance’s creditors were owed more than £20 million. Liquidators have so far recovered £750,630.

    Wainwright admitted that he began to falsify accounts from around 2017, to hide the company’s true financial position from his co-directors and investors. He also admitted he had earlier forged a mortgagor’s signature on a legal charge to mislead investors and had – between April 2010 and April 2011 – breached the terms of a previous bankruptcy by acting as a director of the company the court’s permission.

    The court also heard that Wainwright had lied about the company’s accounts and the destination of funds in order to elicit £100,000 from one investor only weeks before the business collapsed, in the full knowledge that investors would not get their money back.

    Wainwright pleaded guilty on 20 February 2023 at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court, and was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court by His Honour Judge Bayliss on 9 June 2023.

    The Judge passed concurrent sentences for all charges, except for the sentence for fraud against the final investor, which was added consecutively to reflect an escalation in Wainwright’s culpability.

    Background information

    • Liam Francis Wainwright is from Leeds and his date of birth is April 1962.
    • Rawdon Asset Finance Limited (RAF). Company number 06902099
    • The prosecution was brought by the Insolvency Service on behalf of the Secretary of State for Business and Trade.

    The following sentences were imposed, with reductions reflecting credit for the plea:

    1. False accounting – 6 years 6 months, reduced to 4 years 4 months.
    2. Forgery – 2 years after trial, reduced to 16 months, concurrent.
    3. Breach of Director Disqualification – 12 months after trial, reduced to 8 months, concurrent.
    4. Failing to Surrender offence under Bail Act – 28 days, concurrent.
    5. Fraud – 4 years after trial, reduced to 2 years 8 months, consecutive.

    Liam Wainwright remains disqualified as a director.

  • PRESS RELEASE : RAF Typhoons intercept Russian aircraft twice in 24 hours [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : RAF Typhoons intercept Russian aircraft twice in 24 hours [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 9 June 2023.

    In a single 24 hour period, Royal Air Force Typhoons scrambled twice to intercept several Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace.

    On Thursday evening (8 June), RAF Typhoons based at Amari airbase in Estonia and Swedish Air Force Gripens were scrambled to intercept a Russian Air Force IL-20 ‘COOT’ A and Su-27 ‘FLANKER’ B flying close to NATO and Swedish airspace.

    The Russian aircraft were not complying with international norms by failing to communicate with the relevant Flight Information Regions (FIRs), however they remained in international airspace and flew in a professional manner.

    Typhoons were again scrambled on Friday morning (9 June) to intercept one AN12 ‘CUB’ and one AN72 ‘COALER’ flying south from mainland Russia towards the Kaliningrad Oblast. The RAF fighters were later re-tasked to intercept two Tupolev Tu-22M ‘BACKFIRES’ and two Su-30 SM FLANKER H, also flying south from mainland Russia over the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea. The Russian aircraft were once again not complying with international norms by failing to liaise appropriately with local FIRs.

    The Typhoons were joined by F18s of the Finnish Air Force as they escorted the BACKFIRES and FLANKER through the Gulf of Finland, later handing over to Gripens of the Swedish Air Force. Portuguese and Romanian F16s, based out of Siauliai Airbase in Lithuania, were also scrambled to escort the Russian aircraft as they transited further south through the Latvian and Lithuanian FIRs.

    The Defence Secretary, Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP, said:

    These intercepts are a stark reminder that the RAF is always ready to defend our skies and those of our allies, while the coordinated action by several air forces serves as a clear demonstration of the value of our international alliances.

    A pilot involved with the scramble said:

    These intercepts highlight the speed at which we can get airborne to intercept unidentified aircraft. The Typhoon is the perfect platform to conduct these intercepts with its incredible speed, manoeuvrability, and modern onboard systems.” He added, “although there is an apparent increase in regional activity, these intercepts remain normal jogging for us and we are ready to respond to any task that may pose a threat to regional security.

    NATO is currently conducting naval activity in the Baltic Sea as part of BALTOPs and, as expected, Russian aircraft have been monitoring allied vessels throughout. The RAF’s 140 EAW are currently deployed to Amari Airbase in Estonia to undertake NATO’s Baltic Air Policing Mission.

    CO 140 EAW, Wg Cdr Maccoll said:

    This is a busy period yet these intercepts remain routine business for us. Our ability to scramble and intercept multiple Russian jets on separate occasions, within a short period of time, is testament to our resilience and flexibility.” He added, “140 EAW, NATO and our future ally, Sweden, have further showcased their ability to perform multinational intercepts in a professional and seamless manner. Our commitment to defend the region and secure the skies over the Baltics remains steadfast and we will act with speed and decisiveness to counter any potential adversary.

    The RAF will continue to conduct NATO’s Air Policing Mission in Estonia with 1 (F) Sqn Typhoons until August, when they will hand over to the Spanish Air Force.